new thread
I have recently gotten some bitter/sweet news lately.
Good news: I was accepted to extend my contract as a teacher; Bad news: They denied me a year contract for a 6 month contract because of "grooming issues".
Good news: So far the hair hasn't reached a length they are outright demanding a cut for. Bad news: They have demanded I shave clean and I have a pretty sure feeling they are going to tell me to cut the hair.
This revelation came from my co-teacher who translate the principal's conditions for me to stay. I am frantically trying to find a style that I can wear to hide, or smoothly transition into long hair. I feel like I need to sneak my long hair if I want any hope at keeping my job.
As a few of you might know from my introduction post, I have medium curly hair. It is very thick, starting to fro, and usually sticks up all over the place without product (I hate product).
One of the styles I have never been able to stomach with short hair is a part (No offense) It just doesn't suit me. I have considered caking pomade in my hair and slicking it all back (Maybe it is the Italian in me) but I feel so weird doing anything that premeditated. I have always liked the no-fuss, straight-out-the-shower, don't-give-a-**** look. growing up with three sisters will do that to a guy I guess.
Either way, I am wondering:
A) Do any of you LH gurus or aspiring longhairs have ideas for sneaky growing of bushy curls? Extra points for low maintenance!
B) This is the real important one> Do any of you other curly haired guys know if pomade, continual combing, or anything else will kill my curls? I LOVE the fact that my hair is not straight, and the last thing I want is to turn it permanently straight on accident trying to appease some 80 yr. old Korean dude. If I had my way I would just let it grow like a muffin top til the natural weight brought it down, but I am between a rock and a hard place here.
Sorry this is such a long rambling post, but I just got word of it this week and kinda strapped for ideas on what to do.
For anyone that didn't see my old post, or just doesn't feel like hunting it down, here is an old pic on me a few months back, virtually the same when it's dry though.
(On a side note, I am finally got bangs below the eyes! Silly marker for you people rocking knee length hair, I know, but a small marker for me.)
I wasn't aware that an employer could deny employment or advancement based on how long your hair is. I'm pretty sure that's discrimination but before you quote me, do some research on it first. I started my career with a shaved head, and a little over a year later my bangs routinely get in my mouth haha. I believe that is covered under all discrimination laws, saying you can't be denied employment based on anything other than qualifications (race, religion, gender, age, etc).
I have a combination curly/wavy hair, and I've always believed in health over style, so I always let my hair air dry, I use organic shampoo and conditioner, and never blow dry, straighten, or put product in my hair. I also wash it every 2-3 days since my hair tends to get oily. In your case, if you don't mind using product in your hair, I'd say slicking it back would make it look more professional (before i started parting my hair down the middle, I'd get made fun of at work for having a 'college kid' haircut. Once it was long enough to part, the comments stopped haha.), just don't use too much or else the glare might be another cause of concern haha.
I hope I helped you out!
~ Well, even though I graduated College in '07, I am pretty much in a "student-teacher" type job now, but my continuation relies on evaluations from the school. I don't know about business ethics here in Korea, but as far as I know, they only need to say I am "unkept" or "unprofessional"
~ I am 100% right there with ya man! I feel the same way, the hair looks, and feels better to me when the air drying results in the hair setting how it wants. I was considering using leave-in conditioner to weigh it down for a while, but I need to find someone to read the labels for me! I am still a little worried that prolonged pomade slicking-back will permanently straighten it, or train it in a way I don't want it to be.
~ Thanks a lot man, you helped bunches!
If I was in this situation, I would change my trade to one where I would be accepted. To me I am number one and if I want long hair, I'm going to have long hair. tommie
Well said Tommie as ain't that the truth.If you are good at what you do what difference does it make whether or not your hair is long.I can't stand the argument that it doesn't look professional.So I guess a shaved head is the professional way?I'm sorry but I do what makes me happy as I could care less what the rest think.YEA!!
Mark
It's not terribly helpful but I have to say I agree. What possible value can you attribute to a job that values appearances over results? What self worth can you take from that?
Also if this is the attitude your school has to staff what is it teaching its students? It's a messed up value system for sure and I'm not going to be passive towards it out of some misplaced need to respect other cultures.
I'm reminded of the scene in Dead Poets Society where Robin Williams character commends a student for marching to his own beat instead of following the herd.
It's your life but I would always choose to march to my own beat.
Thanks for all the input on job integrity etc.
Normally I would agree with you. My main issue though is that I am wanting to stay here in Korea for the full 2-3 years I am contracted, but if I get bad reviews any given 6 month period I can be deported. My work visa is directly related to the program and thus my only means of staying here without going back to America to re-apply for a visa/find a job/get settled in is to please the people here at school
I did decide to stop skirting the issue though and outwardly let them know I have no plans to cut my hair.
I totally understand the pint you guys have though. And if it weren't for the awkward situation or the language barrier, I would try the angle of looking for work elsewhere.
Teaching has been a dream of mine for a while, and traveling is one of my passions, this is why I try to please the people I work for and stay employed here.
I am thinking that my stay may be cut short a year and 6 months. As much as I LOVE this country, and teaching, I am serious about establishing my natural and long overdue mane.
I am sooo glad I found this board. My family, friends, co-workers and students all tell me almost daily to cut my hair; and even though I could grow it without anyone's approval, it is easier to stick with it when you know there are like-minded individuals that can assure me it is a normal natural desire to grow hair.
I guess the only question is if any of you have answers to the question about retaining the curls?